The U.S. Department of Energy is announcing a Notice of Intent (NOI) and Request for Information (RFI) to help it implement the new $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit Program (CNC). CNC is a program to support the continued operation of U.S. nuclear reactors, which are the nation’s largest source of clean power and preserve thousands of clean energy jobs. There are two nuclear power reactors/plants in the state of Arkansas: Arkansas Nuclear 1 and 2 near Russellville.
The newly enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the Civil Nuclear Credit Program (CNC), allowing owners or operators of commercial U.S. reactors to apply for certification and competitively bid on credits to help support their continued operations. Today’s RFI seeks input on the structure and execution of the CNC Program, including the certification process and eligibility criteria, invitations to submit bids for credits and the allocation of credits.
According to the Department of Energy, the NOI and RFI are critical first steps to help avoid premature retirements of nuclear reactors across the country, preserving thousands of good-paying clean energy jobs while avoiding carbon emissions. Nuclear power currently provides 52 percent of the nation’s carbon-free electricity, and the Biden-Harris Administration has identified the current fleet of 93 reactors as a vital resource to achieve net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050.
The nuclear credit program is the most recently announced DOE program to support the Administration’s clean energy goals and ensure that communities across the country continue to see the benefits of sustainable energy infrastructure.
“U.S. nuclear power plants are essential to achieving President Biden’s climate goals and DOE is committed to keeping carbon-free electricity flowing and preventing premature closures,” said Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes this all possible by allowing us to leverage our existing clean energy infrastructure, strengthen our energy security and protect U.S. jobs. DOE is facilitating the development of next generation technologies that can ultimately lower emissions and bolster the clean energy workforce.”
Shifting energy markets and other economic factors have resulted in the early closure of 12 commercial reactors across the U.S. since 2013. leading to an increase in carbon emissions in those regions, poorer air quality and the loss of thousands of high-paying jobs.
The Department seeks input from all interested parties, including but not limited to nuclear reactor owners and operators, state and local regulators and officials, Tribes, impacted community partners, environmental advocacy groups and other partners involved in clean energy and electric generation, distribution, and planning.
Under the law, applications must prove that the reactor will close for economic reasons and demonstrate that closure will lead to a rise in air pollution. DOE must also determine that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has reasonable assurance that the reactor will continue to operate safely. Credits will be allocated over a four-year period beginning on the date of selection to reactors that are certified by the Department.
DOE is also issuing a Notice of Intent informing interested parties of the Department’s plans to seek applications and provide potential applicants the opportunity to submit voluntary, non-binding expressions of interest in the CNC Program.
Responses to the NOI and RFI addressing general program design and bid process are requested no later than 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on March 17, 2022. Substantive responses relating specifically to the certification process should be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on March 8, 2022 to ensure that this feedback can be used to meet the
Department’s expedited schedule.
Learn more about Notice of Intent and Request for Information Regarding Establishment of a Civil Nuclear Credit Program here.
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